Source: Firefly targets August for NASA cubesat launch
Summary
Firefly Aerospace has delayed the launch of a batch of cubesats for NASA from July to August, as it finalizes preparations for a responsive space mission for the US Space Force. The launch will be the company’s fourth mission with its Alpha rocket.
Fact
Source: How to approach customer discovery as an early-stage startup (and beyond)
Summary
Having a complete and well-established discovery playbook is vital to determine whether a prospective customer is a good fit. Startups have fluid technologies that require long-term customers willing to bet on the technology. The discovery process can’t be long and protracted because startups need to move fast and efficiently.
Facts
Source: Apple reveals its 2023 Apple Design Award winners
Summary
Apple has announced the winners of its annual Apple Design Awards. A dozen apps and games across six categories were recognized, including inclusivity, delight and fun, interaction, social impact, visuals and graphics, and innovation.
Fact
Source: A Waymo self-driving car killed a dog in ‘unavoidable’ accident
Summary
A Waymo autonomous vehicle operating in San Francisco in May killed a dog on Toland Street. The vehicle’s autonomous system saw the dog but factors such as its speed made the collision unavoidable. Waymo said the outcome of its initial review supports this view.
Fact
Source: Instabase lands $45M investment to help companies automate document processing
Summary
Instabase, a San Francisco start-up offering a platform to quickly build and deploy enterprise apps and data, has raised $45m from a Series C funding round, reaching a $2bn valuation. The company will use the investment to bolster its offering in generative AI.
Fact
Source: Apple acquires Mira, a startup building lightweight AR hardware
Summary
Apple has acquired augmented reality (AR) headset startup Mira for an undisclosed amount. Mira had been making AR headsets for customers including Universal Studios for attractions in its theme parks and originally pitched its hardware as a lightweight introduction to the world of AR, emphasizing consumer apps. Later, it pivoted toward industrial rollouts.
Fact
Source: As SEC files motion to freeze Binance assets, crypto market remains green
Summary
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has requested a temporary restraining order to freeze crypto-assets owned by Binance, BAM Trading, and BAM Management, and is now being granted by the court, aiming to prevent the dissipation or transfer of those assets.
Fact
Source: Sorry, but Apple’s Vision Pro isn’t for you
Summary
The new Apple headset, the Vision Pro, priced at $3,500, is most likely not for the average consumer, but rather for developers and businesses. The headset, released after seven to eight years of development, is a developer kit for spatial computing that requires more content development to be successful. The company is facing pressure to launch a consumer-focused product after the release of this device.
Facts